System &amp; Method for Producing Foamed and Steamed Milk

ABSTRACT

A foamed milk system for creating foamed milk from a source of milk, a source of air, and a source of steam. The system may include a milk inlet system for pressurizing the milk, an air inlet system for pressurizing the air, a mixing area to mix the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam, and an expansion area to expand the mixture of the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a beverage system and more particularly relates to systems and method for producing foamed and steamed milk for beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hot beverages such as cappuccinos and lattes are becoming increasingly popular. Commercial businesses from fast food restaurants to coffee houses are providing these hot beverages to their customers. Although hot beverages may be made in sufficient quantity for a high volume restaurant, many customers may prefer a freshly brewed beverage. Likewise, these customers also may prefer freshly made foamed or steamed milk in their hot beverage. The foamed or steamed milk generally is of higher quality if it is made fresh for each customer. However, current technology may not produce foamed or steamed milk quickly or efficiently enough to satisfy consumer demands.

Generally described, foamed milk may be produced using steam, milk, and air, whereas steamed milk is produced using only steam and milk. Specifically, steam, milk, and/or air may be forced through a single venturi orifice. The steam, milk, and/or air may then be mixed as they pass through the single venturi orifice. The milk, steam, and/or air, however, may not be sufficiently mixed. Insufficient mixing may introduce inefficiencies that result in some of the milk not being converted to foam. Furthermore, it may take a considerable amount of time to produce the foamed or steamed milk by forcing the steam, milk, and/or air through the single venturi orifice.

What may be desired, therefore, is a foamed or steamed milk dispenser that can produce foamed and steamed milk in an efficient, high quality, and high speed manner to individual consumers in individual servings. The device, however, preferably should be easy to use, easy to maintain, and be competitive in terms of cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention thus provides a foamed milk system for creating foamed milk from a source of milk, a source of air, and a source of steam. The system may include a milk inlet system for pressurizing the milk, an air inlet system for pressurizing the air, a mixing area to mix the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam, and an expansion area to expand the mixture of the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam.

The milk inlet system may include a peristaltic pump. A disposable hose may connect the peristaltic pump and the source of milk. The air inlet system may include an air pump. A hose connector may connect the milk inlet system and the air inlet system. The hose connector may include a three-way or a four-way valve. The hose connector may include a number of barbed connections. The milk inlet system and the air inlet system may both include disposable hoses connecting the hose connector. The disposable hose for the air inlet system may include a microfilter and one or more check valves. A disposable hose also may connect the hose connector and the mixing area. A steam hose may connect the source of steam and the mixing area.

The mixing area may include a hollow nozzle block. A mixture nozzle may be positioned within the hollow nozzle block. The mixture nozzle may include a number of protrusions positioned thereon and a number of orifice area positioned about the protrusions. The mixture nozzle may be removable.

The foamed milk system further may include a diffuser to gather the flow of the foamed milk to be dispensed. The diffuser may include a diffuser insert and a spout.

The foamed milk system further may include a sanitation system. The sanitation system may include a source of hot water. The hot water flows through the mixing area and the expansion area via a sanitation hose.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a steamed milk system for creating steamed milk from pressurized milk and steam. The system may include a mixing area to mix the pressurized milk and the steam, a pressurized milk inlet system for injecting the pressurized milk into the mixing area, a steam inlet system for injecting the steam into the mixing area, an expansion area to expand the pressurized milk and the steam to form a flow of steamed milk, and a diffuser to gather the flow of the steamed milk to be dispensed.

A method of the present invention may provide for a sanitizing a dispenser serving foamed milk from a source of pressurized milk and a source of pressurized air. The pressurized milk and the pressurized air may be fed through a number of hoses and mixed together in a mixing nozzle. The method may include providing a source of hot water, connecting the source of hot water to one or more of the number of hoses, flowing the hot water through the one or more of the number of hoses and the mixing nozzle, disconnecting the source of hot water, and repeating the above steps on a predetermined schedule.

The predetermined schedule may include about every two (2) hours. The hot water may include about 190 degrees Fahrenheit (about 87.8 degrees Celsius). The method further may include the steps of replacing the number of hoses on a second predetermined schedule. The second predetermined schedule may include about daily.

A further method of the present invention may provide for producing foamed milk from milk, air, and steam. The method may include pressurizing the milk and the air, injecting the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam into a mixing area, and depressurizing the milk, air, and steam mixture to ambient pressure to create the foamed milk.

These and other features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the foamed milk system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mixing nozzle insert shown with the nozzle block in cross-section.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the nozzle insert and protrusions.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cleaning block junction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the present invention injects pressurized milk, air, and steam into a mixing area of a nozzle body. The milk, air, and steam may be intimately and thoroughly mixed within one or more orifice areas. The mixture then proceeds to an expansion area where the mixture expands to ambient pressure. The expansion causes the milk to foam. The foamed milk may then be collected with a diffuser and dispensed into a cup. The present invention also can be used to produce steamed milk only by introducing steam and milk to the foamed milk system.

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3 show a foamed milk system 100 of the present invention. The foamed milk system 100 may include a pressurized milk inlet system 110. The pressurized milk inlet system 110 may provide pressurized milk to the foamed milk system 100 as a whole. The pressurized milk inlet 110 system may include a milk supply 120, a milk pump 130, and a plurality of milk hoses 140, 150. The milk inlet system 110 may be positioned within a refrigerated container 155. The refrigerated container 110 may be any type of standard refrigeration system. The milk supply 120 may include any type of container, including a carton, a bag in box, or any other type of storage device. The milk itself may be UHT (Ultra High Temperature) milk. The milk preferably is maintained at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or lower after opening. The milk preferably is replaced when the milk supply 120 is empty or about every 48 hours or so.

The milk hoses 140, 150 may be made out of rubber, copper, stainless steel, other types of metals, plastics, and other types of substantially non-corrosive materials. The materials preferably are food grade. The hoses 140, 150 preferably are disposable. Although any length may be used, the hoses 140, 150 preferably are as short as possible to limit the length the milk must travel out of the milk supply.

The first milk hose 140 may connect the milk supply 120 to the milk pump 130. The milk pump 130 may pressurize and meter the milk. The milk may be pressurized between about two (2) and about forty (40) pounds per square inch (psi) (about 0.14 to about 2.8 kilograms per square centimeter (ksc)) depending on the flow rate desired. The present embodiment may pressurize the milk to about fifteen (15) psi (about one (1) ksc). The milk pump 130 may be a peristaltic pump to better meter the milk. The peristaltic pump also may have the advantage of reducing the risk of backflow and, hence, reducing the risk of somehow contaminating the milk. Any other type of pump that pressurizes and meters the milk is contemplated for use herein.

The foamed milk system 100 also may include a pressurized air inlet system 160. The pressurized air inlet system 160 may provide pressurized air to the foamed milk system 100. The air may be pressurized to between about two (2) and about forty (40) psi (about 0.14 to about 2.8 ksc) using an air pump 170 depending on the desired flow rate. The present embodiment may pressurize the air to about fifteen (15) psi (about one (1) ksc). The air pump 170 may be any pump design that provides compressed air. The pressurized air may be delivered via an air hose 180. The air hose 180 may include a microfilter 175 or a similar type of device to remove any impurities in the air stream.

The pressurized milk and the pressurized air may be combined and pre-mixed. The pressurized milk inlet system 110 and the pressurized air inlet system 160 may be joined at a hose connector 185 via the second milk hose 150 and the air hose 180. The hose connector 185 may include three (3) hose fittings 190, 200, 210. Any type of three (3) way valve may be used. The milk hose 150 may connected the output of the milk pump 130 and the first hose fitting 190. The air hose 180 may connect the output of the air pump 170 and the second hose fitting 200. The pressurized air and pressurized milk may be combined into one stream in the hose connector 185 to allow the mixture to exit through the third hose fitting 210.

As described above, the hose connector 185, the milk hose 150, and the air hose 180 may be made out of copper, stainless steel, other types of metals, plastics, rubber, and other types of substantially non-corrosive materials as described above. These elements may be detachable to allow for easier cleaning. The hose fittings 190, 200, 210 and the other connections described herein may be barbed and may include polished surfaces to prevent crevice accumulation. The hoses 150, 180 preferably are disposable. The length of the hoses 150, 180 preferably is as short as possible.

A mixture hose 220 may connect the hose connector 185 to a mixture inlet 230 of a nozzle body 240 to transport the milk and air mixture. The mixture hose 220 may be made out of copper, stainless steel, other types of metals, plastics, rubber, or other types of substantially non-corrosive materials as described above. The hose 220 preferably is disposable and as short in length as possible. The mixture hose 220 may be attached to the nozzle body 240 by fitting the mixture hose 220 into the mixture inlet 230. Alternatively, a clamping mechanism or any other method to secure the mixture hose 220 in the mixture inlet 230 known in the art may be used.

The nozzle body 240 may be a substantially hollow block-like structure. The nozzle body 240 may be made out of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other substantially non-corrosive material. The nozzle body 240 may include an inner wall 250 and an outer wall 260. The inner wall 250 may define a mixing area 310 as will be described in more detail below. The mixing area 310 may be substantially conical in shape.

The mixture inlet 230 may pass through the nozzle body 240 to the mixing area 310. The mixture inlet 230 may be a hollow region in the nozzle body between the inner wall 250 and the outer wall 260 that allows the mixture hose 220 to fit into the nozzle body 240 and allows the milk and air mixture to pass to the mixing area 310. The mixture inlet 230 also is contemplated to include an insert or any other means of allowing the mixture hose 220 to feed the mixture into the mixing area 310. The mixture inlet 230 may include a barbed connector. The present invention is not limited to pre-mixing the pressurized air and milk prior to the mixing area 310. It is contemplated that the milk and air may enter the mixing area 310 jointly or separately.

The foamed milk system 100 also may include a pressurized steam inlet system 235 that provides steam to the foamed milk system 310. The steam inlet system 235 may include a steam generator 270, a steam hose 280, and a steam inlet 290. The steam generator 270 may be a heat exchanger, a boiler, or any other device that creates pressurized steam. Steam in the present embodiment may be pressurized to about forty (40) psi (about 2.8 ksc) or so. The pressure may be higher or lower depending on the rate of foam production required. The steam hose 280 may be used to transport the pressurized steam from the steam generator 270 to the steam inlet 290. The steam hose 280 may be made out of copper, stainless steel, other types of metals, plastics, rubber, or other types of substantially non-corrosive materials as are described above. The steam hose 280 may be attached to the nozzle body 240 by fitting the steam hose 280 into the steam inlet 290 by a clamping mechanism or by any other method known in the art.

The steam inlet 290 may pass through the nozzle body 240. The steam inlet 290 may be a hollow region in the nozzle body 240 between the inner wall 250 and the outer wall 260 that allows the steam hose 280 to fit into the nozzle body 240 and the steam to pass to the mixing area 310. The steam inlet 290 may include a barbed connector. It is also contemplated that the pressurized steam may be pre-mixed with the pressurized milk and/or air prior to entering the mixing area 310.

As described above, the inner wall 250 of the nozzle body may define the mixing area 310. The inner wall 250 and the mixing area 310 may be tapered to allow a nozzle insert 300 to fit therein. The nozzle body 240 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other substantially non-corrosive material. The nozzle insert 300 may be tapered in a similar manner as the mixing area 310 so as to allow the insert 300 to fit inside of the nozzle body 240. The nozzle insert 300 may be solid or hollow.

The nozzle insert 300 may be locked into the nozzle body 240 by using a twist lock mechanism, by a screwing mechanism, or by any other attachment means known in the art. The screwing mechanism, for instance, may include a screw attached to the top end of the nozzle insert 300 that screws into a threaded channel in the nozzle body 240.

The insertion of the nozzle insert 300 may create an annular region between the inner wall 250 of the nozzle body 240 and the nozzle insert 300. The annular region defines the mixing area 310 for the milk, air, and steam. In the mixing area 310, the milk, air, and steam become intimately mixed so as to increase the efficiency of the system. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the nozzle insert 300 also may contain a number of protrusions 320 to aid in the mixing of the milk, air, and steam. The protrusions 320 may contact the inner wall 250 of the nozzle body 240 when the nozzle insert 300 is placed inside the nozzle body 240. The spaces between the protrusions 320 may create a number of orifice areas 330. The use of the protrusions 320 in the mixing area 310 may promote turbulent fluid flow therein. This turbulent fluid flow may enhance mixing of the milk, air, and steam passing there through. However, turbulent flow is not required so long as sufficient mixing is achieved.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle body 240 may be about three (3) inches (about 7.6 centimeters) long and substantially cylindrically shaped. The nozzle insert 300 also may be substantially cylindrically shaped and about one (1) inch (about 2.5 centimeters) long and about 0.6 inches (about 1.5 centimeters) in diameter at the base. The inner wall 250 of the nozzle body 240 and the nozzle insert 300 may be tapered at about a 10.5 degree angle. The nozzle insert 300 may only be tapered for about 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) of the length and the remaining length may not be tapered. The exemplary embodiment may include about two (2) rows of protrusions 320 with about sixteen (16) protrusions 320 per row within the mixing area 310. The protrusions 320, in the exemplary embodiment, may be about 0.029 inches (about 0.7 millimeters) tall and about 0.06 inches (1.5 millimeters) wide. The rows may be about one-third inch (about 0.85 centimeters) apart. Any number of protrusions 320, rows of protrusions 320, or size of protrusions 320 is contemplated so as to enhance the mixing of the milk, air, and steam. Further, the present invention is not limited to the dimensions in the exemplary embodiment. The nozzle body 240 and the nozzle insert 300 are contemplated to be any size and tapered at any angle that may create an adequate space for use with the present invention.

Adjacent to the mixing area 310 may be an expansion area 340. The expansion area 340 may be located where the annular region between the inner wall 250 of the nozzle body and the nozzle insert 300 begins to widen or ends. The expansion area 340 may be at or about ambient pressure. As the pressurized milk, air, and steam mixture reach the expansion area 340 from the mixing area 310, the mixture may begin to expand as the pressure of the mixture is reduced to about ambient pressure. This expansion may cause the milk, air, and steam mixture to foam as the pressure is reduced.

The foam then may be collected using a diffuser 350. The diffuser 350 may be used to control and collect the foam from the expansion area 340 and dispense the foam into a cup or mug 380. The diffuser 350 may include a diffuser insert 360 and a spout 370. The diffuser insert 360 may be cylindrically shaped and may be tapered to funnel the foam to the spout 370. The diffuser 350 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other substantially non-corrosive material. Any type of diffuser system is contemplated herein that allows the user to collect and dispense the foam into a cup or mug 380.

The diffuser insert 360 and the bottom of the nozzle body 240 may be threaded so as to allow them to be screwed together. The diffuser insert 360 also may snap into the nozzle body 240 or be connected in any other means known in the art. The spout 370 may be threaded and screwed into the bottom of the diffuser insert 360, snapped into the bottom portion of the diffuser insert 360, or connected to the diffuser insert 360 in any other manner known in the art.

The exemplary embodiment may produce about eight (8) ounces (about 236.6 milliliters) of foam for an individual serving. The foam may be produced at a rate of about 0.375 ounces/second (about 11 milliliters/second) by providing pressurized milk at about 0.375 ounces/second (about 11 milliliters/second) for about eight (8) seconds, pressurized air at about fifteen (15) psi (about one (1) ksc) for about eight (8) seconds, and pressurized steam at about fifteen (15) psi (about one (1) ksc) for about eight (8) seconds into the mixing area 310. The temperature of the milk may be about 155 degrees Fahrenheit (about 68.3 degrees Celsius) or so. The temperature of the nozzle body 240 may reach about 212 degrees Fahrenheit (about 100 degrees Celsius). The present invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiment and can be of any size, dimension, operating conditions, and flow rates necessary for the desired foam production.

The foamed milk system 100 also may be used to produce steamed milk for lattes and other hot beverages. The foamed milk system 100 may be used in substantially the same manner to produce steamed milk as it is used to produce foamed milk. Steamed milk may be produced by only introducing milk and steam into the foamed milk system 100. Thus, the pressurized air inlet system 160 would not be used. Milk from the pressurized milk inlet system 110 and steam from the pressurized steam inlet system 235 may be introduced to the mixing area 310, expanded in the expansion area 340, collected with the diffuser 350, and dispensed into the mug or cup 380 to produce the steamed milk desired. The present embodiment may pressurize the milk to about fifteen (15) psi (about 1 ksc) and the steam to about forty (40) psi (about 2.8 ksc) to produce steamed milk at a rate of about six (6) ounces per second (about 177.4 milliliters per second). Any pressure, however, may be used to accommodate a similar or different steamed milk production rate.

The foamed milk system 100 also may include a sanitation system 500. The sanitation system 500 may include a source of hot water 510. The hot water supply 510 may be the hot water storage tank of a coffee brewer (not shown) or a similar type of device. The hot water supply 510 may be connected to the air hose 180 via a hot water hose 520. A sanitation valve 530 may open and shut the hot water hose 520. The sanitation valve 530 may be a solenoid valve or a similar type of device. A T-joint 540 or a similar type of device may join the air hose 180 and the hot water hose 520. One or more check valves 550 may be placed on either side of the T-joint 540 to prevent backflow.

In order to flush the milk system 100, the sanitation valve 530 is opened and allows hot water to flow from the hot water source 510 through the hot water hose 520 and the check valves 550. The hot water is delivered to the hose connector 185, the mixture hose 220, and the nozzle body 240. A sufficient quantity of water is delivered to ensure that all internal services reach a temperature of at least about a 190 degrees Fahrenheit (about 87.8 degrees Celsius). This flush cycle ensures that all elements outside of the refrigerated container 155 or in connection with a non-refrigerated element are flushed and sanitized. The flush cycle preferably is repeated about every two (2) hours or so.

Sanitation is further improved by the milk hoses 140, 150 and the mixture hose 220 being disposable. As such, the hoses 140, 150, 220 may be replaced daily. Likewise, the hose connector 185 and the nozzle insert 300 of the nozzle body 240 may be removed and sanitized each day. Further, the connectors used herein may be barbed to prevent crevice build up. The milk system 100 thus provides for quick and easy cleaning and sanitation.

Alternatively, the foamed milk system 100 also may include a cleaning block junction 390 depicted in FIG. 4. The cleaning block junction 390 may replace the hose connector 185. The cleaning block junction 390 may contain four (4) hose fittings 400, 410, 420, 430. The first three (3) fittings 400, 410, 420 may be connected to the milk hose 150, the air hose 180, and the mixture hose 220 in the manner described above with respect to the hose connector 185. The fourth fitting 430 may be connected to a flush water hose (not shown). Hot water may be forced through the flush water hose and into the cleaning block junction 390 to sterilize the foamed milk system 100. The hot water may travel through the mixture hose 220, the mixture inlet 230, the mixing area 310, the expansion area 340, and the diffuser 350 to sterilize the foamed milk system 100 as is described above. The system 100 as a whole may then be reoriented to producing the steamed milk and foam as is described above.

It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and that numerous changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof. 

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 32. A beverage system having a source of a beverage, a source of air, and a source of a sanitizing fluid, comprising: a beverage line for the source of the beverage; an air line for the source of the air; a mixing chamber for mixing the beverage and the air; a mixture line for dispensing the mixed beverage and air; and a sanitizing fluid line for the source of the sanitizing fluid; the sanitizing fluid line in communication with the mixing chamber so as to run the sanitizing fluid through the mixing chamber and the mixture line.
 33. The beverage system of claim 32, wherein the beverage line comprises a disposable hose.
 34. The beverage system of claim 32, wherein the mixture line comprises a disposable hose.
 35. The beverage system of claim 32, wherein the mixing chamber comprises a three way connector.
 36. The beverage system of claim 32, wherein the mixing chamber comprises a four way connector.
 37. The beverage system of claim 32, wherein the sanitizing fluid comprises hot water.
 38. The beverage system of claim 37, wherein the hot water comprises about 190 degrees Fahrenheit (about 88 degrees Celsius).
 39. The beverage system of claim 32, further comprising a mixing area in communication with the mixture line and wherein the sanitation fluid runs through the mixing area.
 40. A dispenser for mixing air and a liquid, comprising: a refrigerator for storing the liquid; an air line for the air; a liquid line for the liquid; wherein the liquid line is positioned within the refrigerator; a mixing chamber for mixing the air and the liquid; wherein the mixing chamber is positioned about the refrigerator; a sanitation fluid source; and a sanitation fluid line; wherein the sanitation fluid line merges with the air line such that the sanitation fluid flows through the sanitation fluid line, the air line, and the mixing chamber.
 41. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein the sanitizing fluid comprises hot water.
 42. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the hot water comprises about 190 degrees Fahrenheit (about 88 degrees Celsius).
 43. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein the air line comprises a check valve thereon.
 44. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein the sanitation fluid source is activated on a predetermined schedule.
 45. The dispenser of claim 44, wherein the predetermined schedule comprises about two (2) hours of operation.
 46. The dispenser of claim 44, wherein the air line comprises a disposable hose.
 47. The dispenser of claim 44, wherein the liquid line comprises a disposable hose.
 48. The dispenser of claim 44, further a mixture line in communication with the mixing chamber and further comprising a mixing area in communication with the mixture line and wherein the sanitation fluid runs through the mixture line and the mixing area.
 49. The dispenser of claim 48, wherein in the mixture line comprises a disposable hose.
 50. A method of operating a beverage system for mixing a fluid and air comprising: storing the liquid in a refrigerator; flowing the liquid through a liquid line to a mixture chamber; maintaining the liquid line and the mixture chamber about the refrigerator; flowing the air to the mixture chamber; and sanitizing the system on a first predetermined schedule; wherein the sanitizing step comprises flowing a sanitizing fluid through the air line and the mixture chamber.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the sanitizing step further comprises replacing liquid line and the air line on a second predetermined schedule. 